Travel Insurance Advisory

Issued 13 June 2025

In light of the evolving situation in Israel, on 13 June 2025, SmarTraveller updated its advice to Level 4 “Do Not Travel” for all regions in Israel.

If this event has directly impacted you and you require urgent medical attention, seek assistance locally, and please contact our 24-hour Global Assistance team at +61 1800 490 478 (reverse charge), via WhatsApp or Web Chat as soon as possible. We also strongly recommend staying updated through local media and heeding advice from local emergency services.

SmarTraveller advice as at 13 June 2025:

• SmarTraveller advises “Do not travel to” for all regions in Israel due to the volatile security situation, armed conflict, civil unrest and terrorism.
• If you’re an Australian citizen or permanent resident in any region in Israel, you should register with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade’s crisis registration portal. See the ‘Safety’ section for details on how to register.
• Australians needing emergency consular assistance should contact the Australian Government’s 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on 1300 555 135 (within Australia) or +61 2 6261 3305 (from overseas).
• SmarTraveller advice is here

Your Policy Coverage

 
If you entered into a policy before 5:30pm 13 June 2025 and are already overseas:

• Your policy will operate as usual for all regions in Israel including the General Exclusions for Nuclear and War.
• Our priority remains to support our customers to the best of our capacity. We strongly urge you to prioritize your safety and heed advice from local authorities. Contact us immediately if you need our assistance on our global reverse charge number +61 1800 490 478, via WhatsApp or Web Chat
• If you choose to exit the country, We may not provide cover for any non-refundable forfeited accommodation/tour costs.
• Keep in mind, we have a general exclusion relating to reckless behavior, and coverage may not apply if you intentionally or recklessly place yourself in situations posing a risk to your safety.

If you entered into a policy before 5:30pm 13 June 2025 and are yet to travel:

• There is no cancellation coverage if you choose not to travel following the change in advice from DFAT, even if it was issued after you purchase your policy.
• Your policy will operate as usual for all regions in Israel including the General Exclusions for Nuclear and War.
• Many major airlines have asked customers to amend travel plans after temporarily suspending flights to and from Tel Aviv.
• If your specific travel plans have been directly affected by flight cancellation or delays, please call our 24-hour Global Assistance team at +61 1800 490 478 (reverse charge), via WhatsApp or Web Chat.

If you entered into a policy after 5:30pm 13 June 2025:

• We expect that you would be aware of the current situation in Israel, and of the SmarTraveller advice at the time.
• Your PassportCard policy doesn’t cover Known Circumstances occurring at the policy’s inception. As such policies will not cover claims losses caused by flight cancellations or delays into Ben Gurion International Airport.
• If you choose to travel to and enter any region in Israel, Your policy will operate as usual including the General Exclusions for Nuclear and War and Known Circumstances such as the increase in DFAT Level 3 to Level 4, even if it was issued after you purchased your policy.
• If you choose to change your travel plans due to the increase in DFAT Level 3 to Level 4 our policy excludes any cancellation or travel disruption claims.

Extension of Insurance at no extra charge:

Should this event disturb your return plans and your policy was active before this notice, your insurance will extend at no charge until you can feasibly return home.  The maximum period that we will extend the Policy will be up to twelve (12) months from the date Your Policy first commenced as shown on Your Schedule.

Important general advice:

This information complements the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS). Ensure you understand the terms, conditions, limits, sub-limits, and exclusions specified in the PDS, especially the ‘Benefits’, ‘Policy Conditions’, and ‘General Exclusions’ sections.

Local emergency contacts in Israel:

• Fire and rescue services – Call 102
• Medical emergencies – Call 101
• Police – Call 100

Contact us:

• For emergency travel or medical assistance during your journey, contact our 24-hour Global Assistance team at +61 1800 490 478 (reverse charge), via WhatsApp or Web Chat. Simply click on the red message icon in the right hand corner of your screen to start a web chat.
• For general inquiries about the event, call our Customer Service at 1300 123 413 during our business hours.